Carrie Underwood's Accompaniment Cuts Out

Carrie Underwood walked into the Capitol Rotunda after President Trump was sworn in on on Monday, microphone in hand, ready to sing "America the Beautiful." The musical accompaniment began, then stopped, the Hill reports. She waited, standing before outgoing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. She waited longer. Then Underwood appeared to make eye contact with someone on the technical team and mouth "Just sing?" A nod and a possibly awkward smile followed, and she began a cappella after making a plea: "OK, if you know the words, help me out here."

But Underwood apparently is a trouper. The performance seemed to be a hit, with applause following, per the Washington Post. And the singer received top reviews: Biden mouthed "great job" as they shook hands. Underwood then shook with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, per USA Today. Others performing during inauguration events include Lee Greenwood, the Village People, Jason Aldean, and Nelly. (More Trump inauguration stories.)